Folsom marks opening of public plaza

Don Chaddock / The TelegraphThe Mighty Cash Cats, a Johnny Cash tribute band, became the first band to perform at the new amphitheater in Folsom on Saturday, April 14.

Courtesy Allen Schmeltz ProductionsChinese lion dancers get the crowd ready to formally open the public plaza on Saturday, April 14. A large crowd turned out at the new amphitheater, located behind the Folsom Chamber of Commerce.

Folsom officials celebrated Saturday’s grand opening of the new public plaza with music, short speeches, jugglers and a concert by The Cash Cats, a Johnny Cash tribute band.
Folsom City Manager Evert Palmer thanked retired city manager Kerry Miller for getting the ball rolling on the project.
“This plaza has been bringing people together for 150 years,” he said, referring to its historic status as a train station.
Dubbed Historic Folsom Station, the plaza sports an amphitheater, stage, lighting and pathways. The next phase is private and is planned to feature a restaurant and commercial building.
Mayor Kerri Howell said Folsom should be proud of its historic district.
“We have more people here than when we opened the parking garage,” she said. “This is probably the best historic district in the state of California. What do you think?” The question was met with applause.
City Councilman Jeff Starsky said the district is a cornerstone for the city.
“We continue to revitalize this downtown because we think it’s important,” Starsky said.
Sacramento County Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan said she admired Folsom’s efforts.
“I always refer to Folsom as the city that gets things done,” she said.
Jim Snook, with the Folsom Historic District Association, said the idea for the amphitheater came from a resident.
“We thank you,” he said. “This is the culmination of a lot of people coming together.”
Jugglers warmed up the crowd prior to the festivities and Chinese lion dancers made a colorful entrance.
The Cash Cats paid homage to Johnny Cash and the town by performing his famous hit, “Folsom Prison Blues,” as their first song ever performed on the new stage.
Reach Don Chaddock at donc@goldcountrymedia.com and follow him on Twitter @anewsguy.